Case Study: Forward-Thinking API Integration
Size
51-250 employees
Industry
Electrical
Integrations
API, JD Edwards ERP with Orchestrator
Background
A leading Ontario-based electrical distributor demonstrates a proactive approach to technology. Despite being a small team, they recognized the value of a cloud API solution early on and successfully implemented ItemPath to achieve their goals, showcasing how forward-thinking strategy can drive efficiency.
The Challenge: Fragmented Data Flow and Reliance on Outdated Methods
Prior to ItemPath, the distributor faced the challenge of achieving robust, real-time data synchronization between their warehouse hardware (Kardex VLMs) and their core ERP system (JDE Orchestrator). A potential risk identified was the reliance on a single key person for this critical integration knowledge. Limited internal resources meant they required dependable external support for troubleshooting any errors that might arise.
The challenges included:
- Data Fragmentation Risk: Without a sophisticated API layer, ensuring instantaneous and accurate two-way data flow between the VLM system and JDE was complex.This complexity could lead to potential data discrepancies and operational delays.
- ERP Integration Complexity: Integrating industrial equipment with a major ERP like JDE required specific, detailed knowledge and custom development, consuming significant internal time and resources.
- Lack of Scalability/Flexibility: Traditional, non-API based integration methods would have been rigid, costly to maintain, and incapable of adapting to future system upgrades (like their planned cloud migration), limiting their long-term growth potential.
The Solution: ItemPath Cloud Data Push for Seamless Connectivity
ItemPath Cloud was implemented, specifically utilizing the Data Push app, to create a seamless, real-time connection between the Kardex hardware and JDE software.
Key elements of the solution included:
- Targeted API Integration: Enabling efficient communication and real-time data transfer with JDE Orchestrator, establishing a reliable data bridge.
- Empowerment & Support: Working alongside the JDE contractor, Itempath provided training and ongoing support, enabling the primary contact to rapidly acquire the necessary skills, overcoming the previous dependency risk.
- Reliable Cloud Platform: Utilizing ItemPath's robust cloud infrastructure for hosting the integration solution, providing the necessary scalability and modern architecture.
The Results: Streamlined Integration and Proven Expertise
The ItemPath solution created a seamless data bridge that perfected the distributor's real-time operations, turning their team into confident experts who now advocate for the system and mentor others in the industry.
Seamless Operations
The ItemPath solution provides a vital, smooth-running data bridge. It utilizes the API to create real-time orders (picks, puts, and counts) and materials directly within Power Pick, while the Data Push app ensures efficient and reliable transaction data flow back to the ERP.
Knowledge Leadership
The primary contact mastered the solution so effectively, they were able to confidently guide another company facing similar JDE integration challenges, demonstrating the usability and power of the ItemPath solution.
Strong Partnership
The distributor values the partnership and actively offers facility tours to potential ItemPath customers to showcase their setup.
No delays
Great for small teams
Conclusion
The distributor's successful adoption of ItemPath Cloud highlights how even smaller teams can achieve sophisticated API integration goals with the right technology partner and a proactive approach. Their commitment resulted in a smooth-running, effective solution that meets their current needs and positions them well for future technological advancements.
Kala continues to speak very highly of the ItemPath product and is impressed by our team's ability to develop tools so quickly! She is shocked that people would choose non-API integration methods ("it's so easy!").
Kala S.
IT Manager
Explore more ItemPath solutions
API Reference
Looking for tips on how to use our API? Our extensive API Reference should have what you need! Browse code examples for each endpoint, and learn how to effectively use the REST API.
Data mapping
To successfully populate Power Pick with data, you must create a mapping. Here are detailed instructions on how to effectively translate and transfer information from your connected service.
Authenticate requests
Making sure your connections are set up properly is important for ensuring the API can communicate directly with other systems. Use your API key to authenticate requests via a JWT token.